Tying the lines to the dashboard, he sprang from the gig, tethered the mare to one of the lilac bushes, and walked briskly toward the house.

As he neared the steps the door was opened and Martha's voice rang clear: "Meg, you rascal, come in, or shall I let ye stay out and freeze ?" Doctor John stepped upon the porch, the light of Martha's candle falling on his face and figure.
"It's I, Martha, don't be frightened; it's late, I know, but I hoped Miss Jane would be up.

Has she gone to bed ?" The old nurse started back.

"Lord, how ye skeered me! I don't know whether she's asleep or not.

She's upstairs with Archie, anyhow.